food, functional food & nutraceuticals For Dr. Rickey Yada, using food as preventive medicine is a no-brainer, economically speaking. “How much do we invest in cancer treatment, cardiovascular treatment, diabetes treatment, obesity treatment?” he asks. He describes the emergence of functional foods and nutraceuticals as an exciting area of growth, offering time-crunched Canadians a convenient way to get the nutrition they need. For would-be entrepreneurs and investors, commercializing these health-boosting products can involve a lengthy approvals process, as well as the scientific challenge of correlating long-term health benefits with specific diet choices. Ultimately, however, the reward could be a healthier society. “It has some real challenges but some potentially wonderful benefits,” says Yada.
focus on Success Monforte Dairy founder Ruth Klahsen doesn’t back down from a challenge. When the Stratford-trained chef was wowed by the cheeses she sampled in Europe, she set out to achieve the same quality here at home. It took time, but today her artisanal cheeses earn raves from customers. Similarly, when she couldn’t find conventional financing to build new premises for Monforte, she didn’t give up. Instead, she sold subscriptions starting at $200 a piece, to be repaid in cheese. Nearly a thousand supporters bought into the idea, raising $420,000 for the new facility that started production last June. To secure the balance of the funding she needed, she turned to Bioenterprise for help. “They’re the best deal going,” Klahsen says. “They offer great support.” Her next challenge? “We’d love to set up a cheese-making school here,” she muses.
Companies to watch 100 Mile Market Inc. Inovita Inc. Tabletree Enterprises Ltd.
21
All Natural Nutraceutical Products Naturally Norfolk Inc.